The Government has increased its planned spend on communications, which covers a range of disciplines from PR to advertising, for the year ahead by 22 per cent to £289m.

The change was disclosed in the annual Government Communications Plan for 2014/15, which will be published today.

The plan sets three collective priorities across all departments, which are:

the Government’s long-term economic plan to reduce the deficit

explain how government reforms are creating a fairer society

support the Government’s communication efforts abroad regarding the goals of security, prosperity and consular assistance

The plan also focuses on delivering more streamlined and effective campaigns, building effective partnerships and strengthening the skills of communicators.

Alex Aiken, executive director of government communications, said: "Major events such as the centenary of the First World War and the referendum on Scottish independence will demand the best of communicators in government.

"This plan demonstrates our determination to work more collaboratively on government priorities. We will be being more unified, more valued and more skilled than ever before."